About Richard Kaplan, M.Ed., Sp.Ed. – Education Consultant

Richard Kaplan, M.Ed., Sp.Ed, has been helping individuals and families with special education advocacy and to understand their learning issues and navigate the education system for over 35 years. His graduate study in the field of Cognitive Therapy/Special Education began in the 1970’s at Florida State University where he was chosen to participate in a highly selective pioneering program designed to train educators in a new method for addressing the needs of the special education population. Through the identification of individual cognitive weaknesses and strengths, combined with cognitive therapy,Richard Kaplan found that more forward momentum could be achieved in the learning process with long-lasting results.

Students could begin to understand their individual learning style, supplement weaknesses with strengths, and get back to the fundamental enjoyment of learning new ideas. Progress would be measured in a manner relative to the individual. The students’ learning curve would be unique, like a fingerprint.

After graduation, Richard Kaplan spent four years teaching special education in the Georgia Public School System, but soon realized that he could achieve better results through special education advocacy working with individuals through his private practice.

Over the years, Richard Kaplan has worked with many organizations to improve the profile of students with educational issues:

Currently serves asFounding Board Member of Tapestry Public Charter School, a new school which offers an inclusive, individualized learning environment that is academically engaging for both neuro-typical students and those on the autism spectrum

Served as Founding Board Member of the Georgia Chapter of CHADD, Children and Adults with ADD/ADHD (Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity), which provides educational advocacy and support

Co-founded the Orton-Gillingham Chapter in Georgia, which trains educators in the use of a multi-sensory approach to teach dyslexic students

Served on the Disability Council of Dekalb County, Georgia

Developed the psycho-educational program at the Marcus Center, which is dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of autism and related disorders

Served on the Presidents’ Committee on Employment of the Handicapped in Washington, D.C.

“Some students take longer than others to master the same concept… in our education systems, failure is declared when a student does not conform to the school’s timetable for mastery”.